One of Australia’s most influential wine figures, James Halliday AM, is parting with the final bottles from his legendary personal cellar, listing them in an exclusive online auction with fine wine specialists Langtons.
The James Halliday’s Private Collection auction, now live on the Langtons website, will close at 9pm AEST on Sunday 25 May. Wine collectors and hospitality professionals alike have the rare opportunity to acquire some of the most sought-after bottles from Halliday’s decades-long collection, including a remarkable lineup from renowned Burgundy producer Domaine Armand Rousseau.
In total, 100 lots from Rousseau – Halliday’s personal favourite – are up for grabs, each one signed by the critic himself. The marquee lots include a 1999 Clos des Ruchottes Monopole, Ruchottes-Chambertin, a 1976 Clos de la Roche, and a 1990 Grand Cru, Chambertin.
“Having long since sold the last of my DRCs, my Rousseaus are the best wines in my cellar, led–of course–by the Chambertins from top vintages,” said Halliday.
“Clos de Beze is a worthy second, Clos de Jacques, the wine often offering outstanding value for money. Rousseau now fills the shoes left by the impossible-to-find DRCs.”
This marks Halliday’s second collaboration with Langtons to auction off parts of his personal cellar. In 2020, his previous sale made headlines for featuring the largest collection of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) ever seen on the Australian market.
The final clearance of Halliday’s cellar coincides with his relocation from the Yarra Valley’s Coldstream Hills – where he founded his namesake winery – to Sydney.
Halliday’s career spans over 30 years, encompassing writing, judging, publishing, and winemaking. He founded the Halliday Wine Companion, served as The Australian’s wine columnist for over four decades, and co-founded iconic wineries Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley and Coldstream Hills in the Yarra Valley. In 2010, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the wine industry.
Michael Anderson, Head of Auctions and Secondary Market at Langtons, said: “James Halliday is undoubtedly the most important person in the Australian wine scene. His commentary, literary works, judging and philanthropy have altered how Australians buy, sell and consume wine.
“It is a true pleasure to be once again hosting an auction of his wines – the last ever auction of wines owned by the one and only James Halliday.”
In addition to the Rousseau showcase, the final collection also includes rare and international gems such as the 1996 Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart Brut, a 1997 Dr Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling-Spatlese, and a 1980 Domaine Clape.
Local highlights range from a 2000 House of Arras E.J Carr Late Disgorged Magnum from Tasmania, to a 1997 Bindi Block 5 Pinot Noir from Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, and a 1992 Charles Melton Nine Popes Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre from the Barossa Valley.